By Ikenna Orioha
Some non tutorial and tutorial staff of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB) and Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB), had protested against non payment of their salaries and other benefits by the Imo State Government since 2020 till date.
These IMSUBEB and SEMB staff who staged a peaceful protest in Owerri, recently, pointed out that the non – payment of their salaries by state government is very alarming, regretting that several public servants still await their salaries after being verified in 2020.
These dedicated staff said they have been left to suffer, with their families and other dependants facing untold hardship and agony.
Speaking, the leader of the protesters, who did not want his name in print due to fear of the state authority, said that when they earlier brought their issues to the state government, they were rather labeled ‘Ghost Workers’, instead of looking into their issues thoroughly and sincerely.
“The government has labeled us Ghost Workers, a tag that is not only unjust, but also devastating. We are men and women who have dedicated our lives to the service of the state. Still, we are being denied our rightful dues. The consequences are dire: our families are being torn apart, our children are unable to access basic necessities and the overall well-being of the civil servants is deteriorating rapidly.
“It is imperative that the state government takes immediate action to address this issue. The payment of salaries is not a favour, but a right civil servants are entitled to. The continued neglect of public servants is a stark reminder of the state government’s failure to prioritize the welfare of the citizens, who largely contribute to the social and economic development of the state.
“We appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma to look inwards and take a proactive approach in resolving this issue which has lingered and ensure that all civil servants receive their unpaid salaries without further delay. The hardship we and our families are facing is alarming”, the deprived and aggrieved civil servants cried.
